Portable water cooler and dispenser

Abstract

A portable water dispenser 100 having a housing 102 and a cover 104, and comprising within said housing: a water treatment module 120 that comprises a user-accessible water feed reservoir 128 and one or more water treatment units 132, 132' in fluid communication with the water feed reservoir 128, said one or more water treatment units 132, 132' being configured to treat source water to obtain treated water; a cooled treated water tank 124, in fluid communication with said water treatment module 120, and configured to cool said treated water therein to a consuming temperature; a dispensing nozzle unit 106 in fluid communication with the cooled treated water tank 1244; a user-accessible cooled storage chamber 122; and a cooling system 126 configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank 124 and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber 122.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE WATER COOLER AND DISPENSER

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure concerns a portable water dispenser, typically for providing treated cooled drinking water.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0006] - US patent publication no. 6182453

[0007] Chinese patent application publication no. 201438930

[0008] Chinese patent application publication no. 217209946

[0009] - Korean patent application publication no. 100406033

[0010] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0011] BACKGROUND

[0012] Portable cooled water dispensers are known. Such portable dispensers typically include a water reservoir and a cooling utility to cool the water in the reservoir prior to dispensing.

[0013] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure provides a portable cooled water dispenser with additional advantageous functionalities. The disclosure provides a water dispenser which has small dimensions, and is relatively light weight. The dispenser of this disclosure enables treating source water for obtaining water of drinking quality, and incorporates a cooling system to cool the treated water to a desired consumption temperature. The dispenser also comprises a cooled storage chamber, that is user-accessible, enabling storing therein various products, e.g. food items, medicaments, etc., that need to be kept in cooling conditions. For this purpose, the cooling system is configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank and the cooled storage chamber, according to a desired cooling profile or sequence.

[0015] While the dispenser of this disclosure can be operated by connecting to an electric grid power supply, the dispenser is preferably operated by one or more batteries or battery packs, making it highly suitable for use in scenarios in which no electrical grid is available (e.g. field conditions, emergency conditions, power shortages, etc.).

[0016] According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a portable water dispenser that has a housing and a cover, and comprises within the housing: a water treatment module that comprises a user-accessible water feed reservoir and one or more water treatment units in fluid communication with the water feed reservoir, said one or more water treatment units being configured to treat source water to obtain treated water; a cooled treated water tank, in fluid communication with said water treatment module, and configured to cool said treated water therein to a consuming temperature; a dispensing nozzle unit in fluid communication with the cooled treated water tank; a user-accessible cooled storage chamber; and a cooling system configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

[0017] In other words, the cooling system of the dispenser is configured to cool both the treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber in a selective manner, according to the desired cooling profile, e.g. depending on the desired consuming temperature of the treated water and / or the required storage temperature of items in the cooled storage chamber.

[0018] The term water treatment unit refers to a unit which is configured for flow of source water therethrough, and removes one or more contaminants from the source water and / or adds one or more beneficial components to the source water as they flow through the unit. For example, the water treatment unit can be configured to remove particulate matter, microorganisms, heavy metals and other contaminants, and / or add flavorings, vitamins, minerals, and other desired beneficial components to the water.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the one or more water treatment units are selected from a water filtering unit and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit. By some embodiments, the water treatment unit is a water treatment cartridge of the kind described in patent publications W02008 / 026208, W02008 / 044230, WO2011 / 030340, WO2016 / 151568, WO2018 / 193455, WO2021 / 019541, the relevant contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] The water treatment unit can be a gravitational unit, i.e. through which water passes due to gravitational forces.

[0021] Alternatively, the water treatment unit can be a pressurized unit, suitable for intaking a pressurized water feed. In such configurations, the water feed reservoir can comprise, or be associated with, a pump, configured for pressure feeding the source water into the water treatment unit.

[0022] The water treatment unit(s) is(are), preferably, user replaceable, such that it can be replaced once depleted, clogged, or after treatment of a predetermined volume of source water. The water treatment unit can, by some embodiments, comprise an indicator that provides a user with an indication for replacement of the water treatment unit. Such indication can be, for example, a visual signal, an auditory signal, an electronic signal, etc. The water treatment unit can, by some embodiments, comprise a shut-off mechanism, configured to prevent passage of source water therethrough once the unit needs to be replaced.

[0023] The water feed reservoir is user-accessible, namely the water feed reservoir is accessible to the user for re-filling with source water. According to some embodiments, the user-accessible water feed reservoir has a volume ranging between about 0.5 liters and about 20 liters.

[0024] By some embodiments, the water treatment module further comprises a treated water reservoir, in fluid communication with the one or more water treatment units, and disposed upstream said cooled treated water tank. The treated water reservoir is configured to receive treated water, and transfer the treated water to the cooled treated water tank when needed, typically when the level of water in the cooled treated water tank drops below a defined level threshold.

[0025] By some embodiments, the volume of the treated water reservoir ranges between about 0.5 liters and about 25 liters.

[0026] By some embodiments, the treated water reservoir can comprise, or be associated with, a reservoir pump, that is configured to transfer the treated water from the treated water reservoir to the cooled treated water tank. By some embodiments, the water treatment module further comprises a UV- disinfection unit (i.e. ultraviolet radiation disinfection unit), configured to disinfect the source water before / during / after their feed into the water treatment unit. The UV- disinfection unit can be located in the water feed reservoir, the treated water reservoir, or in-line in the water flow line within the water treatment module.

[0027] According to some embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a UV- disinfection module disposed in the cooled treated water tank, to irradiate the cooled treated water with UV-radiation.

[0028] The water treatment module, according to some embodiments, can be detachably attached to the cooled treated water tank. In such embodiments, the water treatment module, in its entirety, is detachable from the cooled treated water tank, such that it can be easily taken out of the housing for cleaning or replacement.

[0029] According to other embodiments, the water feed reservoir is detachably attachable to the one or more water treatment units.

[0030] By some embodiments, the water treatment module is user-replaceable; meaning that a user can easily detach the water treatment module from the dispenser for replacement or maintenance without requiring special or dedicated tools. By some embodiments, the water treatment module is detachably attached into the dispenser by quick-fit attachment, without requiring any tool for such detachment and attachment.

[0031] By some embodiments, the water treatment module has a water inlet port and a water draining port, extending out of the housing, and configured to establish liquid communication, respectively, with a source water feed line and a water drain. For example, such ports can be used to interface the portable dispenser with a source-drain water system of a recreational vehicle (RV).

[0032] As noted, the dispenser comprises a user-accessible cooled storage chamber, which is a chamber that is maintained at a desired storage temperature for proper storage of temperature-sensitive items, such as dairy products, frozen or semi-frozen products, cooled / chilled food items, medicaments, etc. The user-accessible cooled storage chamber can, by some embodiments, have a volume ranging between about 0.5 liters and about 20 liters.

[0033] User accessibility to the cooled storage chamber can be obtained by opening the cover, which can be a hinged cover. According to some embodiments, a lid is defined in the cover, and provides access to the cooled storage chamber independent from the cover. In other words, the lid, having dimensions typically suitable to seal the cooled storage chamber, is defined in the cover, and can be opened and closed to selectively permit access to the cooled storage chamber without requiring to open the cover.

[0034] By some embodiments, the lid is a hinged lid. The hinged cover and the hinged lid may have a mutual hinge or independent hinging arrangements.

[0035] By some embodiments, the lid is configured for selective association with the cover, thereby permitting mutual opening and closing of the cover and the lid.

[0036] As also noted, the cooling system is configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber. In other words, the cooling system is configured to cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber according to a defined cooling profile.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the cooling system is configured to concomitantly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

[0038] By other embodiments, the cooling system is configured to alternatingly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

[0039] By some other embodiments, the cooling system is configured to alternatingly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber according to a predetermined cooling sequence.

[0040] The cooling sequence and / or selective operation of the cooling system can be controlled, for example, by a control unit of the dispenser, that is configured to direct flow of cooling fluid through the cooling system between a cooled treated water tank cooling sub-system and a cooled storage chamber cooling sub-system. For example, the cooling system can comprise a manifold and a plurality of valves, the control unit being configured to operate the valves according to a pre-defined sequence in order to divert cooling fluid selectively, e.g. in a defined sequence, into the cooled treated water tank cooling sub-system and the cooled storage chamber cooling sub-system, as to maintain the desired temperatures in the tank and chamber. Alternatively, or additionally, each of the cooled treated water tank and the cooled storage chamber comprises a temperature sensor, in communication with the control unit, that diverts cooling fluid to the tank and / or the chamber whenever the temperature in said tank and / or chamber raises above a defined threshold temperature. According to some embodiments, the cooling system is configured to maintain the treated water in the cooled treated water tank in a consuming temperature, typically ranging between about 2°C and about 25°C.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the cooled treated water tank has a volume ranging between about 0.5 liter and about 20 liters, preferably between about 1 liter and 10 liters.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the cooling system is configured to cool and maintain said user-accessible cooled storage at a temperate ranging between about -20°C and about 25 °C.

[0043] Cooled treated water is dispensed from the cooled treated water tank through a dispensing nozzle unit that is in fluid communication with the tank. The dispensing nozzle unit comprises a dispensing nozzle.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the dispensing nozzle unit is switchable between a dispensing position, in which the dispensing nozzle extends substantially normal to a wall portion of the housing, and a stowed position, in which the dispensing nozzle is folded over said wall portion. In other words, the dispensing nozzle unit can be folded into a stowed position when not in use, e.g. to be flush with a sidewall of the housing (or embedded within the sidewall, i.e. in a cavity defined in the side wall), hence preventing possible mechanical damage to the dispensing nozzle when the portable dispenser is being moved, shipped or stored.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the dispensing nozzle unit is detachably attachable to the housing, thereby permitting its temporary removal, e.g. for cleaning. For example, the dispensing nozzle unit can be detachably attached to the housing by a snapping arrangement.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the dispensing nozzle unit is biased to the dispensing position by a biasing arrangement, and is held in the stowed position against such bias by an arresting arrangement. In such embodiments, the dispenser can comprise a user-operated nozzle deployment mechanism (e.g. a push-button) that is configured to release the dispensing nozzle unit from the arresting arrangement to permit the biased displacement of the dispensing nozzle unit into the dispensing position.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the control unit of the dispenser is configured to prevent water dispensing when the dispensing nozzle unit is in the stowed position (or when the dispensing nozzle is not in its dispensing position). By some embodiments, the wall portion houses a UV-disinfection lamp, that is configured to irradiate the dispensing nozzle with UV radiation when the dispensing nozzle unit is in the stowed position. In other words, when the dispensing nozzle unit is in the stowed position, a UV-disinfection lamp can be operated to irradiate the dispensing nozzle with radiation in the UV-wavelength to permit disinfection of the dispensing nozzle, thereby preventing proliferation of undesired microorganisms.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the dispenser comprises a drip-tray. The driptray is typically located vertically below the dispensing nozzle and substantially in register therewith, such that water droplets, dispensed water residues, or unintentional spillage of water can be collected in the drip-tray. The drip-tray can also function as a glass or cup holder, onto which a glass or a cup can be placed to position the glass or cup underneath the dispensing nozzle.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the drip-tray is detachably attachable to the housing, thereby permitting its temporary removal for draining or cleaning. For example, the drip-tray can be detachably attached to the housing by a snapping arrangement.

[0050] In some embodiments, the drip-tray is foldable between a folded position in which it is substantially flush with a sidewall of the housing, and an unfolded position in which the drip-tray extends substantially normal to sidewall of the housing and substantially parallel to the dispensing nozzle when the dispensing nozzle is in the dispensing position. Hence, when in the folded position, the drip-tray is substantially flush with the side wall (or embedded within the sidewall, i.e. in a cavity defined in the side wall) of the housing, thereby minimizing or preventing mechanical possible damage to the drip-tray when the portable dispenser is being moved, shipped or stored.

[0051] In some embodiments, the dispensing nozzle unit and the drip-tray can be independently operated - namely switching the drip-tray between the folded and unfolded positions can be independent of switching of the dispensing nozzle unit between the stowed and dispensing positions.

[0052] In other embodiments, the displacement of the drip-tray and the dispensing nozzle unit between their functional positions can be mechanically linked. By such embodiments, the dispenser may comprise a linking arrangement, linking between the dispensing nozzle unit and the drip-tray, and configured to substantially concomitantly switch the dispensing nozzle unit and the drip-tray to the respective dispensing position and unfolded position. According to some embodiments, at least the cooling system of the dispenser is battery-operated. Operation by battery power enables the user to use the dispenser, i.e. to be provided with cooled treated water and permitting maintaining various items within the dispenser at a cold storage temperature, in various scenarios where no electrical grid is available.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the housing comprises a battery pack bay configured to receive one or more batteries for operating at least the cooling system. According to some embodiments, the battery pack bay is configured to be replaceable; namely to permit usage of different types of batteries by replacing the battery pack bay according to the type of battery used.

[0054] As the dispensers are designed to be portable, dispensers of this disclosure are designed to have a weight that is suitable for lifting and carrying comfortably by a user. According to some embodiments, the portable dispenser has an overall weight (without the water) of no more than about 50 Kg, typically no more than 40Kg, or even less than 25 Kg.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises at least one drinking glass cooling module defined in the housing, and configured to cool at least one drinking glass (or bottle) removably received therein. The drinking glass cooling module is typically cooled by the cooling system.

[0056] The drinking glass cooling module typically has a cavity, suitable for removably receiving a drinking glass or a bottle (e.g. having a volume of between 200 ml and 1000 ml), and cooling the glass or bottle therein. The drinking glass cooling module can be configured to maintain the glass or bottle (and their contents) at a user’s desired consuming temperature.

[0057] By some embodiments, the drinking glass cooling module comprises a UV- radiation unit, for disinfecting the drinking glass (or bottle), and its content, when received within the drinking glass cooling module. As appreciated, such disinfection can be obtained for glasses or bottles that are made of, or have at least a portion made of, a UV-radiation transmissive material.

[0058] By some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises at least one accessories storage compartment defined in the housing, for storing various accessories (e.g. cups, utensils, tools, electrical charging wires, efc.). The at least one accessories storage compartment can be cooled by the cooling system, for example, permitting its functionality as a bait box.

[0059] By some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises at least one electronic device charging arrangement, e.g. a USB port (USB-A, USB-B, USB micro-B, USB-C, efc.), a walkie-talkie charging base, or a wireless charging surface, for charging various electronic devices, such as cellular phones, walkie-talkies, laptops, tablet devices, portable radios, etc.

[0060] By some embodiments, the portable water dispenser further comprises a water carbonation module, configured to receive cooled treated water and carbonate said water therein to a desired degree of carbonation. In such embodiments, the water carbonation module further comprises a replaceable canister receiving bay, configured to removably receive one or more canisters of compressed carbon dioxide (CO2). A suitable water carbonation module can be, for example, a carbonation module described in WO2014 / 041539, WO2015 / 118523, or WO2018 / 069913, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the housing is configured for detachably attaching to various surfaces or utility modules. In one example, the housing is configured for detachably attaching to a mounting platform or a truck bed. In another example, the housing is configured for detachably attaching to a toolbox or a toolbox stack. In yet another example the housing is configured for detachably attaching to a trolley or an L- cart. For this purpose, the housing may comprise, according to some embodiments, an articulation arrangement, configured for articulating the housing to said surface or utility module. Such articulation arrangement can also comprise one or more locking latches, configured to lock the housing to said surface or utility module, once articulated thereto.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the portable water dispenser comprises a locomoting arrangement. The locomoting arrangement may be switchable between a retracted position in which the locomoting arrangement is stowed in a locomoting arrangement space defined in the housing, and an extended position in which the locomoting arrangement projects beyond the housing. By some embodiments, the locomoting arrangement is detachably attachable to the housing.

[0063] By some embodiments, the portable water dispenser has one or more carrying handles. According to another aspect, the disclosure provides a portable water dispensing system, configured to be removably housed within a housing, the dispensing system comprising: a water treatment module that comprises a user-accessible water feed reservoir and one or more water treatment units in fluid communication with the water feed reservoir, said one or more water treatment units being configured to treat source water to obtain treated water; a cooled treated water tank, in fluid communication with said water treatment module, and configured to cool said treated water therein to a consuming temperature; a dispensing nozzle unit in fluid communication with the cooled treated water tank; a user-accessible cooled storage chamber; and a cooling system configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

[0064] In other words, in this aspect, the portable water dispensing system can be configured to be housed in different housings, and removably received therein, such that the housing can be switched by the user, depending on the required use and desired housing configuration suitable for that specific use. For example, the dispenser can be housed within one type of housing that is configured for articulation to a truck bed, and then a user can remove the dispenser from the housing and place it into another, different housing, suitable for articulation to a toolbox stack.

[0065] Such a feature provides the water to be housed in different housings, e.g. for various outdoors uses or field deployment, without requiring making modifications to the dispenser itself.

[0066] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0067] As used herein, the term "about" is meant to encompass deviation of ±10% from the specifically mentioned value of a parameter, such as temperature, pressure, volume, etc.

[0068] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging / ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging / ranges from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ''comprise'', and variations such as "comprises" and “ comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any integer or step or group of integers and steps.

[0069] Generally it is noted that the term “ ...at least one... ” as applied to any component of the disclosed dispenser should be read to encompass one, two, three, four, five, or even more different occurrences of said component in the disclosed dispenser.

[0070] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0071] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figs. 1A-1D show a portable water dispenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure in a perspective front view with the nozzle at a stowed position (Fig. 1 A), in the view of Fig. 1 A with the nozzle at a dispensing position (Fig. IB), with the top cover removed (Fig. 1C), and in a perspective back view (Fig. ID).

[0074] Fig- 2 shows the dispenser of Fig. 1 A, with the housing removed.

[0075] Figs. 3A-3B show perspective views of water treatment modules with their respective housing made transparent in order to show internal parts thereof a filtration module (Fig. 3 A) and a reverse osmosis module (Fig. 3B).

[0076] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the cooling system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figs. 5A-5C are perspective views of a portable water dispenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure housed in an exemplary toolbox-like housing with a cover having a storage access hinged lid at a closed position (Fig. 5A), at an open position of the lid (Fig. 5B) and at a joined open position of the cover and the lid (Fig. 5C).

[0077] Figs. 6A-6B are perspective views of a portable water dispenser according to another embodiment of this disclosure, containing a drip tray at a folded position (Fig. 6A) and at an unfolded position (Fig. 6B).

[0078] Fig. 6C is a cross sectional view along line VI- VI in Fig. 6B.

[0079] Figs. 7A-7B are perspective views of a portable water dispenser according to another embodiment of this disclosure, having a locomoting arrangement: at a retracted position (Fig. 7A) and at an extended position (Fig. 7B) of the locomoting arrangement.

[0080] Fig- 8 is an elevated side view of a portable water dispenser according to another embodiment of this disclosure, having water inlet and outlet ports for interfacing with a running water source and drain system.

[0081] Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view along line IX-IX in Fig. 5A.

[0082] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a portable water dispenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure having an ice-storing and accessories storage compartments.

[0083] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of a portable water dispenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure having a glass-cooling and / or glass-disinfection compartment.

[0084] Fig. 11B is a cross sectional view along line XI-XI in Fig. 11 A.

[0085] Fig. 11C shows, in isolation, a disinfectable glass suitable for use with the glasscooling and / or glass-disinfection compartment of Fig. 11 A.

[0086] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0087] Turning to Figs. 1A-1D, shown is an exemplary portable water dispenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Dispenser 100 has a housing 102, with a removable or openable cover 104, and a dispensing nozzle unit 106 having a dispensing nozzle 108 through which cooled treated water, as will be explained below, is dispensed upon user demand. The cover 104 in this example is a hinged cover, and can be opened and closed about hinge 105. The cover is maintained at its closed position by one or more latches 107. While in the exemplary embodiments herein the cover 104 is a hinged cover, it is also contemplated that the cover 104 can be non-hinged and removed altogether from the housing for opening.

[0088] For ease of transport, the housing can include one or more handles 109, one of which is seen in Figs. 1 A-1C.

[0089] Dispensing nozzle unit 106 is foldable, namely can be switched between a stowed position, shown in Figs. 1A and 1C, in which the dispensing nozzle is folded into a recess 110 that is defined in a side wall of housing 102, and a dispensing position, shown in Fig. IB, in which nozzle unit 106 extends out of the recess 110 and is substantially normal to the side wall of the housing. Therefore, the dispensing nozzle unit can be folded into a stowed position when not in use, e.g. to be flush with the side wall of the housing (or embedded within recess HO), hence preventing possible mechanical damage to the dispensing nozzle when the portable dispenser is being moved, shipped or stored.

[0090] As seen in Fig. IB, recess 110 houses a UV-disinfection lamp 111, that is configured to irradiate the dispensing nozzle 108 with UV radiation when the dispensing nozzle unit is in the stowed position. In other words, when the dispensing nozzle unit is in the stowed position, a UV-disinfection lamp 111 can be operated (e.g. by control unit 160) to irradiate the dispensing nozzle with radiation in the UV-wavelength to permit disinfection of the dispensing nozzle, thereby preventing proliferation of undesired microorganisms. The UV-disinfection lamp may be, for example, a UV-LED lamp.

[0091] The dispensing nozzle unit 106 can be detachably attachable to the housing 102, thereby permitting its temporary removal, e.g. for cleaning. For example, the dispensing nozzle unit can be detachably attached to the housing by a snapping arrangement.

[0092] The dispensing nozzle unit 106 can be biased to the dispensing position by a biasing arrangement (not shown), and held in the stowed position against such bias by an arresting arrangement. The dispenser can comprise a user-operated nozzle deployment mechanism (e.g. a push-button, not shown) that is configured to release the dispensing nozzle unit from the arresting arrangement to permit the biased displacement of the dispensing nozzle unit into the dispensing position.

[0093] The control unit 160 of the dispenser can be configured to prevent water dispensing when the dispensing nozzle unit 106 is in the stowed position (or when the dispensing nozzle is not in its dispensing position).

[0094] Defined in the housing are also venting openings 112 and 114, functioning to permit ambient air to enter the dispenser for cooling the electronic systems operating the electrical components of the dispenser, as will be described. As can best be seen in Fig. ID, a battery pack receiving bay 116 is defined in the housing 102, for removably receiving one or more batteries 118 (in this example two such batteries are shown). Operation by battery power enables the user to use the dispenser, i.e. to be provided with cooled treated water and permitting maintaining various items within the dispenser at a cold storage temperature, in various scenarios where no electrical grid is available. While in the present example a battery-operated dispenser is shown, it is also contemplated that the dispenser can be configured to alternatively or additionally receive power from an electrical grid.

[0095] In Figs. 1C-1D, dispenser 100 is shown with its top cover 104 being removed, to ease view of some of the internal components of the dispenser. As can better be seen in Fig. 2, dispenser 100 comprises a water treatment module, generally designated 120, for treating source water into treated water of drinking quality. The water treatment module is in fluid communication with cooled treated water tank 124, that is cooled by a cooling system, generally designated 126. Cooled treated water can be dispensed for consumption from tank 124 upon user demand. Also cooled by cooling system 126 is a user-accessible cooled storage chamber 122, for storing one or more items that require storage in cold temperatures, e.g. food items, medications, etc.

[0096] An additional functional module 123, seen in Fig. 1C, is an electronic device charging arrangement, in this example a wireless charging surface, for charging various electronic devices, such as cellular phones, walkie-talkies, laptops, tablet devices, portable radios, etc.

[0097] Seen in more details in Figs. 3 A-3B are two exemplary water treatment modules that can be used in the dispenser of this disclosure. Water treatment module 120, shown in Fig. 3 A, comprises a user-accessible water feed reservoir 128, into which source water or water to be treated can be fed through opening or removing of reservoir cover 130. Reservoir typically has a volume ranging between about 0.5 and about 20 Liters. Source water are then treated by passing through a water treatment cartridge 132 that is in liquid communication with reservoir 128, and the treated water temporarily accumulate in treated water reservoir 134. The treated water reservoir 134 thus functions as a temporary reservoir, from which treated water are transferred to tank 124 when needed, typically when the level of water in the cooled treated water tank drops below a defined level threshold. Thus, typically, reservoir 128 has a larger volume than tank 124, permitting source water to be treated independently of their cooling.

[0098] From the treated water reservoir 134, water is fed into the cooled treated water tank 124, through reservoir egress 136, either gravitationally, or preferably by use of reservoir pump 138 located at the bottom portion of treated water reservoir 134.

[0099] An alternative water treatment module is shown in Fig. 3B. Water treatment module 120’ includes a user-accessible water feed reservoir 128’ into which source water or water to be treated can be fed through opening or removing of reservoir cover 130’. The source water in reservoir 128’ is fed through outlets 135,137 into reverse osmosis unit 132’ under pressure, formed by pump 138’, whenever there is a need to re-fill or top- off the water level in cooled water tank 124. The pump 138’ also functions to pressurefeed treated water from the reverse osmosis unit 132’ into the cooled water tank 124 through egress 136’. Thus, in this configuration, the water treatment module does not include a treated water reservoir, and source water is treated in the reverse osmosis unit upon demand for treated water.

[0100] Preferably, the water treatment module (120,120’) is detachably attached to the cooled treated water tank 124. In other words, the water treatment module is designed to be removable, in its entirety, from the hosing for cleaning or replacement. Preferably, the water treatment module is detachably attached into the dispenser by quick-fit attachment, without requiring any tool for such detachment and attachment. The removal of the module from the housing can be facilitated, for example, by user-accessible handle 125’ (or 125’). When removed, modules 120 and 120’ can also be used as stand-alone modules for disinfection of water.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, the water feed reservoir 128 (or 128’) is removable.

[0102] Typically, the water treatment unit (132, 132’) is user replaceable, such that it can be replaced once depleted, clogged, or after treatment of a predetermined volume of source water. The water treatment unit can include an indicator that provides a user with an indication (not shown) for replacement of the water treatment unit. Such indication can be, for example, a visual signal, an auditory signal, an electronic signal, etc. The water treatment unit can alternatively or additionally include a shut-off mechanism (not shown), configured to prevent passage of source water therethrough once the unit needs to be replaced. As noted, the dispenser includes a user-accessible cooled storage chamber 122, which is a chamber that is maintained at a desired storage temperature for proper storage of temperature-sensitive items, such as dairy products, frozen or semi-frozen products, cooled / chilled food items, medicaments, etc. The user-accessible cooled storage chamber typically has a volume ranging between about 0.5 and about 20 Liters.

[0103] The cooling system 126 is designed to cool both the treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber in a selective manner, according to the desired cooling profile, e.g. depending on the desired consuming temperature of the treated water and / or the required storage temperature of items in the cooled storage chamber. An example for such a cooling system is shown in Fig. 4.

[0104] Cooling system 126 comprises a condenser unit 140 and a compressor 142. From the condenser 140, cooled cooling fluid is fed selectively, through operation of tank valve 144 and chamber valve 146 into cooling coils 148 (of tank 124) or cooling channels 150 (of chamber 122). In other words, tank valve 144 and cooling coils 148 define a tank cooling sub-system, while the chamber valve 146 and the cooling channels 150 define a chamber cooling sub-system. By selectively operating valves 144 and 146, proper temperature in the cooled water tank 124 and in the cooled storage chamber 122 are maintained. The cooling fluid is then collected and fed into compressor 142 to complete the cooling cycle of the cooling system.

[0105] Valves 144 and 146 can be operated concomitantly, i.e. delivering cooling fluid to both tank 124 and chamber 122. However, preferably, the cooling system is configured to altematingly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber, namely, to altematingly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user- accessible cooled storage chamber according to a predetermined cooling sequence. This permits energy efficient operation of the cooling system while maintaining the proper temperatures in the tank and the chamber.

[0106] The cooling sequence and / or selective operation of valves 144 and 146 can be controlled, for example, by a control unit 160 of the dispenser, that is configured to altematingly direct flow of cooling fluid through the tank cooling sub-system and the chamber cooling sub-system. Alternatively, or additionally, each of the cooled treated water tank and the cooled storage chamber comprises a temperature sensor (not shown), in communication with the control unit 160, that directs cooling fluid to the tank cooling sub-system and / or the chamber cooling sub-system whenever the temperature in said tank and / or chamber rises above a defined threshold temperature.

[0107] Typically, the cooling system 126 is configured to maintain the treated water in the cooled treated water tank 124 in a consuming temperature, typically ranging between about 2°C and about 25°C, and the user-accessible cooled storage at a temperate ranging between about -20°C and about 25°C.

[0108] As the dispensers are designed to be portable, dispensers of this disclosure are designed to have a weight that is suitable for lifting and carrying comfortably by a user. The portable dispenser can thus have an overall weight (without the water) of no more than about 25 Kg.

[0109] As the dispenser is designed for portability and usage in different field scenarios, it is also designed to be housed in various configurations of housings. For example, the housing can be configured for easy carrying, i.e. having various external handles. Further, the housing can be configured to detachably attached to various surfaces, such as mounting platforms, truck beds, mobile countertops (e.g. field tables, deployable tables, camping tables efc.), or other suitable surfaces. The housing can also be configured for detachable attachment to various utility modules, such as toolbox stacks, trolleys, L-carts, etc.

[0110] For example, shown in Figs. 5A-5C is a dispenser according to this disclosure is housed in a tool-box like housing. As can be seen, dispenser 200 (which is similar to dispenser 100, however with a different housing) is housed in housing 202, that includes a pair of carrying handles 209 (only one of which is shown), to facilitate easy carrying of the dispenser by the user. Cover 204 is held in a closed position by a pair of latches 207, and can be opened to gain access to the dispenser, e.g. for filling the water treatment module 220 with source water for treating. Also defined in the cover 204 is a hinged lid 213, which can also be opened independently (as seen in Fig. 5B) from cover 204 to permit access only to cooled storage chamber 222.

[0111] As can be seen in Fig. 5C, the lid 213 can be mutually opened and closed with cover 204 by associating the lid 213 with the cover 204, e.g. by use of latch 215.

[0112] Another exemplary portable dispenser 300 is shown in Figs. 6A-6C. Dispenser 300 is similar to dispenser 200, however also including a drip-tray 352. The drip-tray 352 is located vertically below the dispensing nozzle unit 306 and has a folded position (Fig. 6A) in which it is embedded within recess 354 and substantially flush with a sidewall of housing 302, and an unfolded position (Figs. 6B-6C) in which the drip-tray 352 extends substantially normal to sidewall of the housing 302 and substantially parallel to the dispensing nozzle unit 306, when the dispensing nozzle unit is in the dispensing position.

[0113] Hence, during storage or travel, both the dispensing nozzle unit 306 and the driptray 352 can be safely stowed within their respective recesses 310 and 354 to prevent mechanical damage.

[0114] Water droplets, dispensed water residues, or unintentional spillage of water can be collected in the drip-tray 352. The drip-tray can also function as a glass or cup holder, onto which a glass or a cup can be placed to position the glass or cup underneath the dispensing nozzle 308. The drip-tray can be detachably attachable to the housing, thereby permitting its temporary removal for draining or cleaning. For example, the drip-tray can be detachably attached to the housing by a snapping arrangement (not shown).

[0115] The dispensing nozzle unit 306 and the drip-tray 352 can be independently operated - namely switching the drip-tray between the folded and unfolded positions can be independent of switching of the dispensing nozzle unit between the stowed and dispensing positions. Alternatively, the displacement of the drip-tray 352 and the dispensing nozzle unit 306 between their functional positions can be mechanically linked, e.g. by a linking arrangement 356 (Fig. 6C) that linking between the dispensing nozzle unit 306 and the drip-tray 352, and configured to substantially concomitantly switch the dispensing nozzle unit and the drip-tray to the respective dispensing position and unfolded position.

[0116] Shown in Figs. 7A-7B is another exemplary embodiment of a portable water dispenser according to this disclosure. Dispenser 400 (which is similar to dispensers 200 and 300) includes a locomoting arrangement, generally designated 462. Locomoting arrangement 462 comprises a pair of wheels 464, fitted on an axel 466. The locomoting arrangement 462 is switchable between a retracted position (Fig. 7A) in which the wheels 464 are stowed in a locomoting arrangement space 468 defined in the housing 402, and an extended position (Fig. 7B) in which the wheels 464 are rotated out of space 468 about axel 466 to project beyond the housing 402. Handle 409 can then be used to tilt the dispenser 400 and locomote it using wheels 464.

[0117] Another exemplary portable dispenser is shown in Fig. 8. Dispenser 500 is similar to dispensers 100, 200, 300 and 400, however has also a water inlet port 570 and a water draining port 572, that extend out of the housing 502. Water inlet port 570 and water draining port 572 are configured to establish liquid communication, respectively, with a source water feed line and a water drain, for example, of source-drain water system of a recreational vehicle (RV) (not shown).

[0118] As seen in Fig. 9, the dispenser 200 (similar to dispensers 100, 300, 400 and 500) can further include a UV-disinfection module 227 disposed in the cooled treated water tank 224, to irradiate the cooled treated water with UV-radiation.

[0119] In another exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 10, dispenser 600 (similar to dispensers 200, 300, 400, and 500) includes an accessories storage compartment 676, in addition to cooled storage chamber 622. Accessories storage compartment 676 permits storing various accessories (e.g. cups, utensils, tools, electrical charging wires, etc. . The accessories storage compartment can optionally be cooled by the cooling system, for example, permitting its functionality as a bait box or for providing further cooled storage in addition to that of cooled storage chamber 622. When cooled, storage compartment 676 can be cooled to a different temperature than that of storage chamber 622, thereby permitting storage of perishable goods at different temperatures. For example, accessories storage chamber 676 can be cooled to a refrigerator temperature (e.g. between 2°C and 20°C), while cooled storage chamber 622 can be maintained at freezing conditions, e.g. below 0°C.

[0120] In another configuration, shown in Figs. 11A-11B, dispenser 700 (similar to dispensers 200, 300, 400, and 500) includes a drinking glass cooling module 770 defined in the housing 702, and configured to cool a drinking glass 774 (or bottle) that is removably received therein. The drinking glass cooling module 770 is typically cooled by the cooling system, e.g. by flowing cooled water from cooled treated water tank 724.

[0121] The drinking glass cooling module typically has a cavity 772, suitable for removably receiving the drinking glass 774 or a bottle (e.g. having a volume of between 200 ml and 1000 ml), and cooling the glass or bottle therein. The drinking glass cooling module can be configured to maintain the glass or bottle (and their contents) at a user’s desired consuming temperature, which can be the same or different than the temperature in cooled storage temperate 722 or from the consumption temperature of the cooled treated water.

[0122] The drinking glass cooling module 770 can also include a UV-radiation unit 776, for disinfecting the drinking glass (or bottle), and its content, when received within cavity 772. An exemplary suitable glass 774 is shown in Fig. 11C, which has a UV-radiation transmissive portion 778 at its bottom. It is appreciated, that, depending on the location of UV-radiation unit 776 within module 770, the glasses or bottles can be predominantly made of, or have significant portions made of, a UV-radiation transmissive material.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A portable water dispenser having a housing and a cover, and comprising within said housing: a water treatment module that comprises a user-accessible water feed reservoir and one or more water treatment units in fluid communication with the water feed reservoir, said one or more water treatment units being configured to treat source water to obtain treated water; a cooled treated water tank, in fluid communication with said water treatment module, and configured to cool said treated water therein to a consuming temperature; a dispensing nozzle unit in fluid communication with the cooled treated water tank; a user-accessible cooled storage chamber; and a cooling system configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the water treatment module further comprises a treated water reservoir, in fluid communication with the one or more water treatment units, and disposed upstream said cooled treated water tank.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, wherein the water treatment module is detachably attached to the cooled treated water tank.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the water treatment module is user-replaceable.

5. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more water treatment units are user-replaceable.

6. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said one or more water treatment units are selected from a water filtering unit and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit.

7. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling system is configured to concomitantly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

8. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling system is configured to alternatingly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the cooling system is configured to alternatingly cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber according to a predetermined cooling sequence.

10. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said consuming temperature is between about 2°C and about 25 °C.

11. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said cooling system is configured to cool and maintain said user-accessible cooled storage at a temperate of between about -20°C and about 25°C.

12. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said dispensing nozzle unit is switchable between a dispensing position, in which the dispensing nozzle extends substantially normal to a wall portion of the housing, and a stowed position, in which the dispensing nozzle is folded over said wall portion.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein at the stowed position, the dispensing nozzle is flush with a sidewall of said housing.

14. The dispenser of claim 12 or 13, wherein said wall portion houses a UV- disinfection lamp, the UV-disinfection lamp being configured to irradiate the dispensing nozzle when the dispensing nozzle is in the stowed position.

15. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said cover is a hinged cover.

16. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a lid is defined in said cover, the lid being configured to provide access to said cooled storage chamber independent from said cover.

17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein said lid is a hinged lid.

18. The dispenser of claim 16 or 17, wherein said lid is configured for selective association with said cover to permit mutual opening and closing of the cover and the lid.

19. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a drip-tray.

20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein said drip-tray is located vertically below the dispensing nozzle and substantially in register therewith.

21. The dispenser of claim 19 or 20, wherein the drip-tray is detachably attachable to the housing.

22. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the drip-tray is foldable between a folded position in which it is substantially flush with a sidewall of said housing, and an unfolded position in which the drip-tray extends substantially normal to sidewall of the housing and substantially parallel to said dispensing nozzle when the dispensing nozzle is in the dispensing position.

23. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a linking arrangement, linking between said dispensing nozzle and said drip-tray, configured tosubstantially concomitantly switch the dispensing nozzle and the drip-tray to the respective dispensing position and unfolded position.

24. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein said cooling system is battery- operated.

25. The dispenser of claim 24, wherein said housing comprises a battery pack bay configured to receive one or more batteries for operating said cooling system.

26. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein said water treatment module further comprises a UV-disinfection unit.

27. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a UV-disinfection module disposed in said cooled treated water tank.

28. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising at least one accessories storage compartment.

29. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising at least one drinking glass cooling module configured to cool at least one drinking glass removably received therein.

30. The dispenser of claim 29, wherein said drinking glass cooling module is cooled by said cooling system.

31. The dispenser of claim 29 or 30, wherein said drinking glass cooling module comprises a UV-radiation unit, for disinfecting said drinking glass when received within the drinking glass cooling module.

32. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the user-accessible water feed reservoir has a volume of between about 0.5 and about 20 Liters.

33. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the cooled treated water tank has a volume of between about 0.5 and about 25 Liters.

34. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the user-accessible cooled storage chamber has a volume of between about 0.5 and about 20 Liters.

35. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the portable dispenser has an overall weight of no more than about 25 Kg.

36. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein said housing is configured for detachably attaching to a mounting platform or a truck bed.

37. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein said housing is configured for detachably attaching to a toolbox or a toolbox stack.

38. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 37, said housing is configured for detachably attaching to a trolley or an L-cart.

39. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising a locomoting arrangement.

40. The dispenser of claim 39, wherein said locomoting arrangement is switchable between a retracted position in which the locomoting arrangement is stowed in a locomoting arrangement space defined in the housing, and an extended position in which the locomoting arrangement projects beyond the housing.

41. The dispenser of claim 39 or 40, wherein the locomoting arrangement is detachably attachable to the housing.

42. A portable water dispensing system, configured to be removably housed within a housing, the dispensing system comprising: a water treatment module that comprises a user-accessible water feed reservoir and one or more water treatment units in fluid communication with the water feed reservoir, said one or more water treatment units being configured to treat source water to obtain treated water; a cooled treated water tank, in fluid communication with said water treatment module, and configured to cool said treated water therein to a consuming temperature; a dispensing nozzle unit in fluid communication with the cooled treated water tank; a user-accessible cooled storage chamber; and a cooling system configured to selectively cool the cooled treated water tank and the user-accessible cooled storage chamber.

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